Jessie Andjelic
Assistant Professor
Jessie Andjelic is an Assistant Professor at SAPL and co-founder of SPECTACLE Bureau for Architecture and Urbanism, recognized as an emerging talent in Canadian architecture. Her approach to design is built on the idea that architecture can serve as both a reflection of the contemporary world and a vehicle for shaping a better future. She brings this philosophy into her teaching, aiming to inspire students to consider how architecture interacts with society and how it can be used as a tool for meaningful change. Her mentorship approach encourages critical thinking, risk-taking, and use of projective architecture to imagine different futures.
A key component of Andjelic’s work is community engagement, reflected in her collaborations with organizations such as Sustainable Calgary. These projects use an iterative process that helps community participants contribute more informed and meaningful input.
Another fundamental value guiding Andjelic’s work is the concept of repair, which she sees as a framework for rethinking the role of architecture. “The idea of the tabula rasa as a means of situating architecture is a completely outdated way to approach any site.” This approach not only challenges the notion of starting from scratch but also promotes sustainability and sensitivity to context, for example, using local materials.
Andjelic seeks to shape a new generation of architects who are not only technically proficient but also deeply engaged with the social, ethical, and environmental implications of their work.
Keywords
- Projective architecture
- Teacher practitioner
- Mentorship
- Critical thinking
- Risk taking